Where were the stars? Inside the lacklustre 2025 Samas that left Mzansi unimpressed – thestar.co.za

A person wearing a colorful patterned suit and sunglasses stands in front of a purple sofa, surrounded by vibrant flowers and a decorative backdrop, bringing true Mzansi flair to the scene—perfect for thestar.co.za’s 2025 Samas coverage.

The South African Music Awards might have just reached a point where they are due for a pause, as the 31st edition failed to live up to the prestigious awards’ once-renowned reputation.

The Samas used to be one of the hottest music awards in Mzansi, bringing the biggest artists together in celebration of their achievements.

But the 2025 awards were a far cry from the good old days. Yes, budget constraints have forced organisers to tighten their belts, but the awards are powered by the Motsepe Foundation.

The short red carpet wasn’t filled…